AKAI MPD218 is a BUDGET BEAST for iPad Music Production!! | How to Map Your Midi Controller in BM3

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This video was recorded during a livestream on 4/6/21!
Check out the full video here ➡️ • Reviewing the Akai MPD...
The AKAI MPD218 is a budget beast! In this video, we're putting it to the test using BeatMaker 3 on the iPad Pro!
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[@booboodad2089]

Great video!!! You are a fantastic communicator. I'm an old school analog musician who had no clue what a midi controller is until watching this video. I bought this Akai for my son who is setting up a home studio. Will definitely direct him your way.

[@KeyDyer]

Mine is on its way! Scored a used one for 98$, your video def inspired me to swoop it

[@thebod1]

I have the AKAI MPD218, and I love it. The MPC Beats software is really cool too.

[@sethloweakasquid7008]

cheers man, ive had this thing for years, never used it, but am about to record w my ipad thu a roland rubix 44, so here we go, cheers for the help Squid... from Oz

[@therockbrigade]

Just got my iPad Pro and I already have the 218 gonna try this configuration. Thanks brother smashed the like button and subscribed!

[@sherwinS_13]

i use my MPD218 as my daily driver for finger drumming practice...its awesome!

[@vapinmccloud412]

Dude! Thank you very much. I just got one of these and followed the BeatMaker 3 tutorial you gave. It rocks!! Would you consider doing some vid’s with other iPad apps like NanoStudio, GarageBand and especially remixlive? Some stuff with samples for live or recording? You explain things very clearly. Cheers.

[@chenchaso39]

Awesome video Thanks! I would pick this up because I am starting to transition to iPad beatmaking and also I like making beats mobile so upstairs rather than studio or outside or where ever I travel. Due to this I need stuff to fit in my preferred bag which is the R1 Radian urban sling. SO far I've gotten the xkey25 controller being able to fit in the nice hidden compartment looks pretty nice and snug. this mpd looks like it might fit but I am heavily considering the morph system. now if I do not get the morph I would probably try and hold out for

[@simmermusic3894]

Nice! Ive always used mine with Logic Pro X, might check it out with my iPad as well, looks fun!

[@JeffyG]

There’s lots of used MPD218’s out there. I just got one tonight for $50 and it’s pretty good. I have a Launchpad X, so you might think why bother… but the 3 banks of encoders (9) is useful in several iOS music apps like Koala Sampler, BM3, GarageBand and many synths. For studio work on my MacBook the Launchpad X is better supported and I can make use of it’s DAW integration with Ableton or Logic. But on an iPad, the MPD218 is more flexible and suited to custom midi mapping - and for $50, why not!

[@DEMBEATSPRODUCTION]

Hey brother thanks for sharing this tutorial on the MPD218. I've had one for a while now however my preferred midi controller is the AKAI MPK mini. I also have the iRig Keys 2 pro full size 37keys. P.S. Looking to catch on your next livestream. Be blessed and stay safe.

[@MusicTechnologist]

Hey man! Glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for rolling through the stream and for being a part of the community! 👍🏽 Be blessed!

[@darrylhoward3284]

Nice video! Just hooked one up today!

[@floydhaynes260]

I love your content. Keep up the great work.

[@MusicTechnologist]

Thanks a lot Floyd! 🙏🏽

[@EvannSamples]

Works for me! Thanks man.

[@chris_g_vibes]

Super Helpful! Thank You!

[@MusicTechnologist]

Right on! You’re welcome! 👍🏽

[@sean808080]

Great video, you are a great teacher. I already have an Akai MPC one and it’s gotten me more interested in finger drumming. I am going to look for a used MPD 226, which is the same as the MPD 218 except it has four faders. This will sit by the MacBook, so I can Jump back-and-forth between standalone on the MPC one and tethered to the MacBook.

[@stephenmarsh3986]

Excellent tutorial.

[@slayerized27]

I just got this at a pawn shop for $50. I wanted something small and budget friendly. So far so good

[@TheDeepEnd303]

This was super helpful, I'd love a more in-depth mapping based on how you have yours set up. I was able to get my macros and pads set up but would love to see the full mapping. Thanks!

[@djjohnblaze2634]

The atom sq is what I'm using. It pairs perfect with bm3. Has built in scales, arp

[@MusicTechnologist]

Nice! I've heard a lot of good things about that controller! Might have to cop it and review it! 👌🏽

[@swagger5979]

I’m getting into finger drumming. I was hoping I can use this on my iPhone 11. With my Koala app. Thank you so much for your vid

[@LawrenceArnell]

This was great and helpful as usual. Can you walk us through the MPK 25 with BMM3?

[@MusicTechnologist]

Thanks Lawrence! Happy to help! I may pick up an MPK 25 and a review on it in the future. Thanks for the request!

[@MrCosmicVictory]

just got the 218 free from a guitar center coupon, seeing how itll work with the ipad and bm3. thanks for the tips

[@fxdaly]

That was a super video, thanks very much. Do you know if a similar setup can be done with DigiStix 2 in Cubasis 3?

[@kundaimhonda9803]

love it

[@Lolz4Lyfe117]

Wonder how this compares to the Presonus Atom, I heard that the Atom has better sensitivity but I guess it’s up to preference.

[@jasontaylor404]

Excellent video. Please share your template.

[@vio4jesus]

Thanks for the video. I use the iPad, but not Beatmaker. I use AUM, and various AUV3 plugins like EG Pulse, Moog, etc. ~~ question: can I used the Akai MPD218 to send MIDI note messages to AUM?

[@MediaMusik777]

2.10 update mpc and now I can play the mpd218 as second hand pad to the mpc one . The mpc studio mk2 did not work but mpd218 works great including the encoders. The word is class compliant btw

[@MusicTechnologist]

That’s super dope! I don’t use an MPC, but that would be a dope feature if I was! I wonder if the MPK Mini Mk3 works with it?

[@MediaMusik777]

@@MusicTechnologist it should and i think there is a mpc template too

[@greyblooz]

I wanted opinions on the iRig Pads but this looks better. Can multiple class compliant devices be run off the same hub?

[@lancegreen9303]

Are you encountering any double pad triggering when using the MPC 218 with BM3? If so, how did you remedy it?

[@skizzraw3034]

I hope you check this. I have a MPC STUDIO 2 I just got 2 days ago. I need to know how to map some of the other buttons on the MPC to Beatmaker 3. I have the 16 pads already, and the buttons that correspond to the STOP,START,FORWARD,REWIND. But what do I map the other things to? Ex. Sampler,looper,step seq., etc. I would be so grateful if you could help me….Also, the lights are not on as well.

[@redreaction4735]

Odd question but what programming do you use for your music?

[@RobertoBlatt]

Comparável ao Launchpad Mini da Novation? Melhor?

[@davidosolo]

Hi. Do you think this setup is more powerful than an actual MPC?

[@FREEZER4000]

Newbie here , I shut down, (Sadly ) trying to find & use an Akai or other controller when Monterey software made them inconpatable , would you mind telling me if Akai will work with Mac OS 12 ?or even with an iPad ? I love what I see people using them for , I just can't get a straight answer about this product working with what I have . Thanks for a great review - billy

[@Duncanlinc]

could you use it with garageband?

[@HowYouMove]

I plan to get the MPC One Gold for my main Toy but I was interested in getting the MPD218 my question is will it work with my Samsung A7 Tablet? & also I wanted to know as a beginner can I use the MPD 218 & my M-Audio MK3 Keystation midi controller together? Cause I have a 4port hub & a MacBook Pro with the same 2i2 Scarlett & a pair of Rokit silver KRK monitors

[@JEVONNY34]

Love Mine 😁

[@MusicTechnologist]

DOPE! 👍🏽 I’ve got a follow up video on it coming out soon! 👀

[@webncyber]

Thanks for the video! I was wondering if you know a way in BM there is a way to map session to midi controller? The reason I want to do it so a tempo can change on fly instead of mapping tempo to controller

[@MusicTechnologist]

The one thing that BM3 does not automate is tempo changes. Even if it were possible to map it to the controller, it wouldn’t be able to save the tempo change to your project.

[@ray-fford1237]

Just a curious question does the AKAI MPD 218 work with numark platinum fx dj controller?

[@darrengordon-hill]

Hi. What should be hitting at "bank A pad 1" is hitting at "bank A/B pad 5" Please help

[@WorldsAspire]

Thanks for the instruction :) Question: If I have sounds recorded (MP3 etc. format), like birds or waves or rain, can these be programmed via the software to play on this device?

[@MusicTechnologist]

Yes you can! All of that would be done in whatever DAW (digital audio workstation) you use. Then just map your midi controller and trigger your sounds at will! 👍🏽

[@WorldsAspire]

@@MusicTechnologist Thank you very much!

[@davidscott2095]

Can you anyone tell me if Beatmaker 3 has a 16 level velocity feature, or something similar, like in the MPC, where hi hats can be spread across the 16 pads and can be played at different velocities? Thank you.

[@ghostparkin]

Can you make a video in MPC beats? i'm a beginner and i don't know how to use my MPD 218!Please can you help me?

[@ricardojamison7783]

Is the mpd218 compatible with lmms?

[@DopamineOverload]

Great, helpful video! Wish Beatmaker3 developers would have their chord mode more intelligent and theory-based (diatonic chords, like C, Dm, Em, in order... instead of "major", like C major, D major, E major, etc)... emailed them and posted on the forum. Maschine can do it, MPC can do it, Scaler 2 plugin does it easily... why can't Beatmaker3?

[@MusicTechnologist]

I feel you on that! It’d be nice to map specific chord types to specific pads for a better playing experience.

[@poornimanair6917]

Bro will this gig work on windows?

[@ADDMUSIKNIKKA]

What do you think about the upgrade from essential to beats??

[@MusicTechnologist]

Great question! Tbh, I haven’t really messed w/ any of Akai’s software. The MPD218 is my first piece of Akai hardware, so I’m admittedly pretty new to their ecosystem.

[@kenrixer]

Hey! I am almost getting the Akai MPD218, and I’d just like to know, what app did you use to map the buttons?

[@MusicTechnologist]

Cool! You have to map it in whatever app you’re using, but the app I’m using in this video is BeatMaker 3

[@kenrixer]

@@MusicTechnologist Cool. I’ve checked the price, but it’s a bit too expensive. ($42) Are there any free or low cost apps that I can map with?

[@LYVEWYRE12000]

Does the iPad need to be plugged into a power source for this to work? Or will it work just plugged into the iPad? Thanks

[@MusicTechnologist]

The MPD218 is bus powered, so it should work just fine just plugging it right into the ipad. 👍🏽

[@djmadlive]

Trying to follow what your doing and the info and instruction are great but what is that software that you are using on your ipad I have been looking for it but having trouble. I am new and I want to get into making beats and remixes I need all the help I can get because I'm trying to get my son interested in doing the same thing. Thanks...

[@MusicTechnologist]

Hey man! The software I’m using is BeatMaker 3! It’s a DAW for iPad an it’s the program I produce all of my beats in! 👍🏽

[@nlopiano42]

Yo, I saw that you have a drum kit in the background. Do you have any recommendations on how to use this in a live setup? I run clicks/tracks through my Behringer to front of house using pre-set tracks on an app called Soundboard. Could I use this Akai as a separate input to the mixer if I wanted to manually play more digital sounding drum beats live?

[@MusicTechnologist]

Hey Nick! Yes, I do play drums! Also, yes you can use the Akai live, although the pads are a little small if you’re planning to play them with sticks. I don’t have any recommendations right off the bat, but they do make midi controllers that are meant to be played with sticks in conjunction with a live kit. Another thing to consider is any midi controller (including the Akai) is merely meant to control whatever it’s plugged into. They do not have any sounds of their own. You’ll have to set that up on a computer or iPad and plug your controller into that.

[@nlopiano42]

@@MusicTechnologist Thanks, dude! I was able to send a 1/4 inch from one of the main outs of the Akai into my Behringer mixer and it works great! I just use finger drumming for one of our songs and it's perfect.

[@NearSilent]

You want to try something like the Roland SPD-SX sampling pad, although I believe Alesis do something similar. You can use it as a MIDI controller and/or play recorded samples of your own be they one shots like a kit or sound FX or even trigger loops, backing keyboard parts or sequencers, even backing vocals, etc. whilst you play over the top.

[@RappersDelight808]

Can you use this on a PC? A fresh one with no software? Thanks

[@MusicTechnologist]

Yes and no. You can definitely use this with a computer, but it is simply a midi controller so you will likely need some sort of software in order to do anything with it. I do believe Akai bundles in some free software in the box though!

[@yonatorres6361]

❤

[@Badboy-ei1ct]

Should i buy this or akai mini mk3? Which got 8 pads?is 8 enough?

[@MusicTechnologist]

Tbh, if you need an ultra portable all-in-one solution, you’re gonna want to go with the akai mini mk3. Obviously the keys are small and it only has 8 pads, but at least it’s both types of controllers in one small form factor, and it’s made with quality. If you’ve already got a compact midi keyboard that you like, then maybe consider the MPD218.

[@TheChameleon2008]

No relative knobs makes me kinda hate this controller.

[@cannon6611]

Which wires can I connect , I’m lost I have a iPad and the Mpc . 😢

[@TheChameleon2008]

which ipad? if you use usb c then you need a adapter

[@rishabhdevparmar6107]

Can we use this with mainstage 3 for changing the patches??

[@MusicTechnologist]

I personally don’t have any experience doing that, since I’m iPad based and don’t use mainstage, but I imagine you should be able to map it for that!

[@pancitcanton1803]

this is doooope!!!! I wonder if this would work on android!!

[@MusicTechnologist]

I actually haven’t tried this controller on android, but I’m sure there’s someone who has!

[@SpeedBoostGamer]

I tap on my pads multiple times and it only hits a sound once at a time, never the amount of times that I hit it, how do I fix that?

[@MusicTechnologist]

Tbh it may be a hardware issue. I’ve heard some reports of faulty pads. That hasn’t been my experience, but I only bought one. I would recommend exchanging it for another if you’re within the return window, or contact AKAI and use your warranty.

[@delacruzneili]

Hello, can I map my kick anywhere in the pad? and have it mapped out in two different pads?

[@MusicTechnologist]

Hi Neil! You definitely CAN place your kick wherever you want on the pads within your software or DAW. You can even have multiples. Just make sure you’ve correctly mapped you controller to your DAW!

[@delacruzneili]

@@MusicTechnologist thank you for your reply

[@martinbkildal]

For some reason i can’t get note repeat to work. Got any tips?

[@MusicTechnologist]

Yes, it can be finicky. You have to turn on midi clock out, and then enable midi out for your controller in the settings, press “sync” (only for midi out, not for midi in), and then the project has to be playing for it to send the timing to your controller, so you won’t get any note repeat unless you press play on the project. Hope this helps! 👍🏽

[@phpratap24]

What kind of hub do you use for the iPad?

[@MusicTechnologist]

On the go, I use the HyperDrive ➡️ amzn.to/3uAuGMm In the studio, since the 2021 iPad Pro supports thunderbolt, I use a CalDigit TS3+ ➡️ amzn.to/3B1XS1b

[@hliaskap1853]

Sry man I didn’t understand. Do I need to buy a software fo this pad?

[@MusicTechnologist]

Hi hlias! 👋🏽 Yes, a midi controller is simply an input device. You have to connect it to a computer (or iPad) and load up some form of instrument or software in order to use it. Midi controllers don’t have any sounds of their own. The software I used in this video is BeatMaker 3 for iPad.

[@2000jago]

What does "super clutch" mean?

[@johnwright5126]

really really nifty

[@torianderson5203]

Having trouble using note repeat. I just want to play a beat and then have it repeat, so I don't have to drum the entire song by hand. Any advice?

[@ampecsu]

Sounds like you want a drum machine. Like the alesis sr18

[@ampecsu]

Or to create a loop track

[@OpentoPublic]

Do it have built in speakers?

[@MusicTechnologist]

It does not

[@ghostfly97]

Do you think this one works with Cubasis 3?

[@MusicTechnologist]

Yes it does! 👍🏽

[@ghostfly97]

@@MusicTechnologist awesome thanks!!

[@jimshannononsounds]

I would get one if it had Bluetooth capability

[@MusicTechnologist]

Yeah, bluetooth would be nice. There’s not enough bluetooth pad controller out there, and an Akai MPD218 wireless would be 🔥🔥🔥

[@diamondkavemedia]

it keep saying the mpd has too much power

[@MusicTechnologist]

It should be able to function on bus power. It's possible that if you're using an iPad with a lightning port, you may have to have power plugged in at the same time via the apple charge and play dongle.

[@cronosx6174]

Does this work for a PC?

[@MusicTechnologist]

Sure does! Midi mapping will look different depending on what application you are using.

[@HayesProject79]

I bought two of these and both were awful. You had to hit pads repeatedly to get anything out of them. I’m looking for a better option for my iPad

[@TheChameleon2008]

I just bought 1 and mine been working fine from day 1 so i would suggest you buy it from a normal store so that you can test it.

[@sounakchatterjee2125]

Best app to use it with?

[@MusicTechnologist]

Really depends on what platform you’re on. I demoed it in this video using BeatMaker 3 for iPad. That is the DAW I use most often to make music in, and it works great with the MPD218!

[@sounakchatterjee2125]

@@MusicTechnologist I can't seem to find that in iPad.

[@jaymer14]

What app did u use?

[@MusicTechnologist]

BeatMaker 3 👍🏽

[@antionetaylorwilliams5363]

Hey I’m thinking about purchasing the AKAI MPD 218. I don’t own a iPad, but I have my iPhone 11. Can I hook it up to my phone? If so, can you give me instructions?

[@MusicTechnologist]

You should definitely be able to hook it up to your iphone. You just need the apple camera connection kit dongle ➡️ amzn.to/3s6v2KM. After that, all you need is an app that supports midi mapping (like koala sampler).

[@antionetaylorwilliams5363]

@@MusicTechnologist ok cool thanks. Last question, I have a HP laptop also, will that work?

[@mynamesjackson10]

Is it Bluetooth?

[@kacp1xyt541]

Noup

[@AnandAryan17]

Does it have Indian tones

[@curtrod]

nope

[@AnandAryan17]

@@curtrod my bad

[@curtisestell7288]

i have the mpd 218 and novation sl mk 2 . top notch... ratchet!!!

[@BigOso203]

Why the pads are easily triggered causing faint effects.

[@PlanetDeLaTourette]

Just wondering... do you get paid for positive reviews of this train wreck? The false triggers that this thing gives is unreal. Known issues. Akai knows they are selling crap.

[@MusicTechnologist]

Not a dime. For the record, I did not experience these issues with the one I bought. I have heard a few report of people having trigger issues and I have also seen some easy fix methods if one happens to have an issue with triggering. QuestforGroove, someone who regularly uses and tests several midi controllers like this happens to have had a positive experience with the MPD218. He’s had one with issues in the past, but he more recently purchased a few and all 3 worked well. It appears that Akai has seen the issue and addressed it more recently in the manufacturing chain.

[@PlanetDeLaTourette]

@@MusicTechnologist To me it's a mystery how this left the factory floor in the first place. Completely not reliable machine. I see reviewers who mention it, which should lead to different conclusions.

[@robsonbezerradacosta9866]

talk a lot.....

[@spikeybug1]

This thing is just a toy that makes spacey electronic sounds when you press the pads.

[@MusicTechnologist]

🙄🤦🏽‍♂️

[@69glamboy]

Design something better.